Ishqeria

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*Ishqeria* attempts to revive the charm of old-school hill station romances with a tale of love, misunderstandings, and second chances. However, despite a promising premise, it struggles to find its footing, weighed down by outdated tropes and mismatched execution. Directed by Prerna Wadhawan, the film centers on Kuhu (*Richa Chadha*), a small-town girl who manipulates her way into the affections of college heartthrob Raghav (*Neil Nitin Mukesh*), only to face the trials of real love and the complications of life over the years.

The film’s glaring misstep is its casting. While Chadha and Mukesh are talented actors, they are far from convincing as college students. The stark age mismatch between the characters and their portrayal immediately breaks the immersion. In an era where audiences demand authenticity, relying on seasoned actors to play teens feels outdated and distracting. The storyline, which had potential as a breezy, feel-good romance, veers into melodrama with plot points that feel contrived and overly dramatic—unwanted pregnancies, misunderstandings, and a seven-year separation.

Neil Nitin Mukesh's character is written as indecisive and overly burdened by familial baggage, which makes his romantic arc hard to root for. Richa Chadha’s Kuhu begins as a bold, quirky character but becomes entangled in cliched scenarios that undermine her potential. Despite their best efforts, both actors are let down by a script that offers little room for depth or consistency. Their chemistry, while evident in moments, isn’t enough to salvage the narrative.

The supporting cast adds little value, often coming across as relics from a bygone era, making the overall tone feel disjointed. Even the picturesque setting of Mussoorie, which could have added a nostalgic charm, feels underutilized.

The film does have fleeting positives. Chadha and Mukesh showcase glimpses of their acting prowess, with Chadha embracing her character's quirks and Mukesh attempting a nuanced performance. However, these moments are too few and far between to leave a lasting impression. The self-referential humor, such as Chadha’s jabs at her own appearance, is refreshing but sporadic.

Ultimately, *Ishqeria* feels like a relic from the past, failing to adapt the classic romance genre for modern sensibilities. Its attempts at blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling result in a confused narrative that neither engages nor resonates. While the film might have worked as a breezy rom-com with fresh faces, it’s weighed down by poor execution and dated sensibilities. A missed opportunity that reminds us that some formulas are best left in the past.